Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering grant funding to improve public health protection from wildfire smoke by strengthening preparedness and resilience in community buildings. The program supports planning, infrastructure upgrades, air quality improvements, and cleaner air spaces to reduce indoor exposure to wildfire smoke pollutants.
Overview of the EPA Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting grant applications to support projects that protect public health from wildfire smoke exposure. The funding focuses on improving preparedness, resilience, and air quality in community buildings that serve the public during wildfire events.
Purpose and Goals of the Grant Program
This grant program aims to:
-
Reduce health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure
-
Improve preparedness and response capacity in community buildings
-
Ensure public buildings remain safe and accessible during wildfire events
-
Strengthen indoor air quality and ventilation systems
-
Support long-term resilience against increasing wildfire threats
Key Focus Areas and Eligible Activities
Funded projects may address one or more of the following priority areas:
-
Smoke readiness planning and preparedness strategies
-
Outreach, education, and training on smoke readiness
-
Indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring
-
Deployment of portable air cleaners
-
Identification and preparation of cleaner air spaces or shelters
-
HVAC system upgrades, repairs, and replacements
-
Weatherization and building envelope improvements
Additional Supported Project Components
Projects may also include:
-
Applied research and pilot demonstrations
-
Technical assistance to public-serving buildings
-
Training programs for facility managers and staff
-
Community education and outreach initiatives
All activities must directly benefit public buildings or buildings that serve the public.
Total Funding Available and Award Size
The EPA has allocated a total of $13,580,000 for this funding opportunity, combining:
-
$6,790,000 from fiscal year 2024
-
$6,790,000 from fiscal year 2025
Up to 11 awards are expected, with individual grant amounts ranging from $350,000 to $2,500,000, based on application quality, funding availability, and EPA priorities.
Project Duration and Funding Limits
Award recipients are expected to implement projects over a three-year period. A maximum of 25 percent of the total funding, up to $3,395,000, may be awarded to recipients in any single state. Funding awarded to federally recognized Tribes is considered separately in recognition of Tribal sovereignty.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
-
U.S. states and state agencies
-
Federally recognized Tribes
-
Public pre-schools
-
Local educational agencies
-
Non-profit organizations
Applicants must propose activities that assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in public-serving buildings.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following are not eligible to apply:
-
For-profit entities
-
Individuals
-
Projects unrelated to wildfire smoke preparedness or public health protection
Why This Grant Matters
Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, particularly to children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. This grant helps communities:
-
Reduce indoor exposure to harmful smoke pollutants
-
Improve building readiness during wildfire events
-
Protect vulnerable populations
-
Build long-term resilience as wildfire frequency and intensity increase
How the Grant Program Works
The program follows a structured process:
-
Applicants assess wildfire smoke risks in public buildings
-
Proposals outline preparedness, infrastructure, and air quality solutions
-
EPA evaluates applications based on impact, feasibility, and readiness
-
Selected recipients receive funding and implement projects over three years
-
Progress and outcomes are monitored and reported to the EPA
How to Apply
Applicants should:
-
Identify eligible public buildings and wildfire smoke risks
-
Select priority interventions aligned with EPA focus areas
-
Develop a detailed project plan, timeline, and budget
-
Demonstrate public health benefits and measurable outcomes
-
Submit a complete application by the EPA’s stated deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Proposing activities unrelated to wildfire smoke mitigation
-
Weak justification for public health impacts
-
Unrealistic timelines or underdeveloped budgets
-
Failure to focus on public or public-serving buildings
-
Lack of measurable outcomes or sustainability planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the EPA wildfire smoke grant?
The goal is to protect public health by reducing indoor exposure to wildfire smoke through preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and air quality improvements.
How much funding is available per award?
Individual awards range from $350,000 to $2,500,000, depending on application quality and EPA priorities.
How long can projects run?
Projects must be implemented over a three-year period.
Who can apply for this funding?
States, federally recognized Tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations are eligible.
Can Tribes apply for funding?
Yes, federally recognized Tribes are eligible, and Tribal funding is considered separately due to sovereign status.
Are HVAC upgrades an eligible expense?
Yes, HVAC upgrades, repairs, and weatherization are explicitly supported.
Are outreach and training activities allowed?
Yes, education, training, and outreach related to smoke readiness are eligible components.
Conclusion
The EPA Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant provides critical funding to strengthen public health protection in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By improving preparedness, air quality, and building resilience, this program helps communities safeguard public spaces and reduce the harmful health impacts of wildfire smoke.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.